What is Hypocalcemia (Milk Fever) in Animals?
One of the most frequently asked questions by livestock farmers is, “What is hypocalcemia?” Commonly known as milk fever, hypocalcemia is a metabolic disease especially seen in high-yielding dairy cows. It occurs when there isn’t enough calcium in the cow’s bloodstream. When lactation begins, the need for calcium increases due to the rising milk production. The body tries to meet this demand by mobilizing calcium from the bones. However, when this mobilization is insufficient, hypocalcemia develops. It usually occurs within 6–48 hours after calving and is also referred to as parturient paresis. Since calcium deficiency arises right after birth, milk fever commonly appears during this period.
What Are the Symptoms of Hypocalcemia (Milk Fever) in Animals?
The symptoms of hypocalcemia generally appear after calving. Cows may have difficulty standing, show muscle tremors, weakness, and a fixed gaze. They tend to lie down and may show trembling in the legs. Other signs of parturient paresis include constipation, low body temperature, and irregular (fast or slow) heartbeat. Treatment must be administered quickly, as cows that cannot stand may lose complete mobility if the disease progresses.
How Is Hypocalcemia (Milk Fever) Diagnosed?
Milk fever can be diagnosed as either clinical or subclinical. In clinical cases, blood tests are used to measure the calcium level. If calcium in the blood is below 4 mg/dl, it indicates clinical hypocalcemia. In subclinical cases, blood calcium levels fall below 7.5 mg/dl, although visible symptoms may not be present. Regular check-ups and blood tests allow for early detection of milk fever, even before symptoms appear.
Treatment of Hypocalcemia in Animals
Hypocalcemia treatment must be fast and effective. The primary approach is to provide calcium supplements to the animal. Veterinarians can administer calcium solutions intravenously or orally. Mixtures containing phosphorus and magnesium may also be used. The question “What to do when a cow experiences parturient paresis?” is directly related to timely and correct treatment. Cows should be kept in a stress-free environment and protected from cold weather. Soft bedding should be provided to prevent injuries from lying down.
How to Prevent Hypocalcemia?
Nutrition is a key factor in reducing the risk of milk fever in cows. Feeding cows a low-calcium diet before calving helps their bodies mobilize calcium more effectively after birth. The question “When does parturient paresis resolve in cows?” depends on how quickly treatment is initiated. Regular monitoring before and after birth, checking calcium levels, and supplementing calcium when needed can help prevent the disease.
If not properly managed, hypocalcemia can lead to serious consequences. When signs of milk fever are observed, immediate intervention and treatment are essential. Additionally, preventive measures should be implemented to minimize the risk of the disease.